Higher Education Behind Bars

 At Home on the Sound presents: Sean Pica, Executive Director of Hudson Link for Higher Education.

Victor Hugo wrote: “He who opens a
school door, closes a prison.” Join us for a rare glimpse into the prison world
and listen to the Executive Director of Hudson
Link for Higher Education’s College program at Sing Sing.

Sean
Pica was given a chance for higher education in Sing Sing. He will talk about
Hudson Link, the program that not only started him on a remarkable trajectory,
but also is showing positive results in prison populations.  Of
the program’s more than 80 graduates
who are now released, none have returned to prison. This compares to a national
recidivism rate of 43%.  The classes are taught by adjunct professors from Mercy
College, Nyack College, SUNY Sullivan and Vassar.  Hudson Link today is in four local prisons,
with more than 300 students enrolled in associate and bachelor programs in addition to classes in life skills and re-entry.

Sean Pica states: “These Hudson Link-sponsored men
& women have come to appreciate the full impact of their life-altering
crimes, on others and themselves. And while it may be years before they see
life outside the prison walls, we see them realize that hope for a redemptive,
productive life is through dedicating themselves to self-transformation.” 

This program is free and open to the public. Refreshments at 3:30; program at 4:00pm